The Hays County Sheriff’s Office will host its first blood drive in coordination with The Blood Center of Central Texas on Dec. 27-28.

The goal of the blood drive is to receive a minimum of 100 donors. All donated blood from the blood drive will go to hospitals servicing Hays County residents, including Central Texas Medical Center, Seton Medical Center Hays, St. David’s, Brackenridge, and Dell Children’s.

There will be three locations in the county where residents may donate blood on Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The HEB in Dripping Springs, Cabela’s in Buda, and the County Courthouse on the square in San Marcos. There will be one location to donate blood on Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: The Hays County Law Enforcement Center, Training Room B.

“For every one donor, two lives can be saved,” said Jeffrey Jordan, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. “Hundreds of donations are needed each day to meet the needs of patients in over 37 medical facilities in our ten-county service area. We appreciate your support in helping to maintain the community blood supply and for spreading the word about the importance of blood donation. We would encourage as many as possible to come out and help save a life and donate.”

Those who donate between Dec. 9 and Jan. 4 can receive an Amy’s Ice Cream coupon, which will be distributed at fixed site locations and mobile blood drives. The coupons are redeemable at any Amy’s Ice Cream location and are valid through Feb. 15, 2012. Sac-n-Pac will also provide donation locations with door prizes.

Donors may conduct a “walk-in” donation, or may schedule their appointments online at https://www.inyourhandsonline.org/index.cfm?group=op&hlc=hayscounty. Questions about donating blood may be directed by phone to The Blood Center at (512) 206-1266, and more information is available at the organization’s web site at www.inyourhandsonline.org. Jordan is available to answer questions by phone at (512) 393-7373 or via email at jeff.jordan@co.hays.tx.us.